Defense Minister Ehud Barak continues to show signs of support for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a meeting with troops at the Ashdod naval base on Thursday, Barak said, "The fighting continues so that we can achieve our goals.

War in South

Israeli official: Keeping all options open / Roni Sofer

Senior diplomatic official tells Ynet that if Egyptian truce proposal fails to meet Israeli objectives, other options remain open, hinting military op could expand. Decision of whether to accept ceasefire plan or deepen offensive to be made by Friday, he adds

Barak opened his speech by thanking the soldiers, "First of all, I would like to thank you all for what you are doing in Operation Cast Lead. Troops from all sections of the navy are participating in this operation, and I would like to thank you for what you are doing on land and at sea.

"This is very important. We launched this operation in order to restore quiet to the south and effectively prevent smuggling from the border, and we are continuing to do these two things."

According to Barak, "There is extraordinary cooperation between the ground forces and the forces that assist them from the sea, and marines' ground activity. For all of these things I would like to thank you. Thank you very much."

In recent days the defense minister has expressed his position that the Gaza operation should come to an end, and was met with much criticism
from high ranking officials in Jerusalem.

One source was quoted as saying in response, "Hamas operatives see these sights and hear these statements and are encouraged by them and claim that Israel is seeking a way out. Leaking details of ministers' private initiatives is irresponsible and regrettable."